What is a systematic review?
Systematic literature review is a method of synthesising scientific evidence,and ensuring the quality of this evidence to answer a particular research question in a way that is transparent and reproducible. An accurate Systematic review includes all available published outputs on the topic (Guillaume, 2019).
Types systematic review
1. Scoping review
Scoping review is a preliminary assessment of the potential size and scope of available research literature. Aims to identify the nature and extent of research evidence (usually including ongoing research).
2. Rapid review
Rapid reviews are an assessment of what is already known about a policy or practice issue by using systematic review methods to search and critically appraise existing research.
3. Narrative review
Also called a literature review. It synthesises primary studies and explores this through description rather than statistics. Library support for literature review can be found in this guide.
4. Meta-analysis
A meta-analysis statistically combines the results of quantitative studies to provide a more precise effect on the results. This type of study examines data from multiple studies, on the same subject, to determine trends.
5. Mixed methods/mixed studies
Refers to any combination of methods where one significant component is a literature review (usually systematic review).